Chapter 343 - Chapter 343: Chapter 330: Joking (1/2)
Chapter 343: Chapter 330: Joking
“Construction is almost complete. We are able to move in now. We’re just left with the thick winter clothes and heavy quilts to pack away. We’ve been quite tired these last few days, let’s take a break for a few days and we can slowly tidy up the remaining. There’s no hurry.”
Mrs. Cao said with a smile, “We’re short of a large tank in the backyard. The old one is too small, fetching water back and forth is quite troublesome. Your uncle went to see the shop that sells water tanks and to arrange for a new one to be delivered.”
“Qiuyue rarely comes to town. It’s a novelty for her to see everything here. She has gone with your uncle to look around. They can also buy some vegetables on their way back. You can stay here for lunch.”
“Yes indeed,” Mrs. Liu agreed, nodding vigorously, “It’s been quite some time since we last saw Miss Zhuang. We must have lunch together and chat.”
It truly had been some time since Mrs. Liu last saw Zhuang Qingning. She was warmly clasping Zhuang Qingning’s hand and wouldn’t let go, chattering away, saying, “You seem to have grown taller since I last saw you.”
“But you’ve lost weight. You probably have been too busy to eat properly. I’ll cook you a fish dish at lunch to nourish your body.”
“My dear, if you’re too busy to cook on your own, just come and eat here. You’ll live here from now on, we’ll take care of each other. Though I’m an old lady and I can’t do much of the laborious work anymore, I can still cook decent meals. I reckon they’ll be to your liking.”
“Thank you, Aunt. I won’t hold back in the future then. Even if you may find my presence bothersome and want to send me away, you won’t be able to.” Zhuang Qingning teased, laughing merrily.
“Don’t be silly. We couldn’t invite you enough,” Mrs. Cao replied from the side, laughing.
Remembering the business in the shop, Mrs. Cao didn’t stay in the backyard long and went to manage the front shop with Zhang Qiuying. Mrs. Liu and Zhuang Qingning chatted in the backyard for a good long while until Zhang Xiangrong and Zhang Qiuyue came back, holding a slaughtered chicken and a decently sized fish in their hands.
“This chicken looks plump. It will go well with dried wood ear mushrooms and green peppers in a stir-fry. As for the fish, let’s stew it with tofu. It’s comforting to eat both soup and meat together.”
Mrs. Liu suggested, “Let’s also prepare a mixed salad, stir-fry some diced lotus root and steam some rice. Little Ning, how does that sound?”
“Sounds perfect, Aunt. I love everything you cook.” Zhuang Qingning responded warmly with a broad smile.
“Alright, let’s follow that plan then.” Mrs. Liu agreed with a smile and reached for her apron to put it on.
“Mom, you don’t need to cook. I’ll do it.” Mrs. Cao dashed forward quickly. “Xiangrong, you and Qiuyue go and attend the shop. I’ll get cooking.”
“Okay.” Zhang Xiangrong complied and walked to the front.
Mrs. Cao then proceeded to take over the apron from Mrs. Liu.
“No, no, no, you usually do the cooking. But today is different. I insist on preparing a hearty meal for Little Ning.” Mrs. Liu said as she moved towards the kitchen, not even letting Mrs. Cao lend a hand.
“I’m truly helpless against mom’s stubbornness.” Mrs. Cao came out of the kitchen helplessly and shrugged.
“Since Aunt is interested in cooking, let her be.” Zhuang Qingning giggled, “This will make her happy. That’s better than resting. It helps to live longer. If we insist on taking away her enjoyment, she may feel upset.”
“Yes, it seems we now always try to cater to mom’s whims.” Mrs. Cao also laughed. Suddenly, she slapped her forehead, “My goodness, I got completely carried away talking about the house move, I totally forgot that person who wanted to sell century eggs in the county town. He came two more times afterwards. I set the appointment the day after tomorrow, like you suggested.” “So, will we meet him in the shop or invite him directly to our house? Docs he need to look at the workshop?” Mrs. Cao asked.